MALKY MACKAY PREVIEWS BIRMINGHAM CITY CLASH

Mackay delighted to add Ridgewell as he discusses squad in the build-up to Birmingham.

Ridgewell signing can ‘give the squad a lift’.

Maloney training well despite speculation.

Cosgrove to travel to Birmingham as Malky discusses plans for youth.

Speaking to Latics Player ahead of the Sky Bet Championship trip to Birmingham City, manager Malky Mackay shared his delight at the capture of Liam Ridgewell on loan, as well as discussing potential team news, with Martyn Waghorn in the squad following a Development Squad run-out and Shaun Maloney training well.

Malky also revealed that Under 18 striker Sam Cosgrove will travel with the squad to St. Andrew’s.

MACKAY ON TRAINING

“The boys have trained well this week and Shaun Maloney has been looking really sharp. I thought when he came on at the weekend he did well, and he’s carried that on in training leading up to the weekend.

“I’ve got to credit Shaun for his attitude what with the current speculation surrounding him, it really shows the measure of him.

“Martyn Waghorn has been a big boost coming back, he’s a terrific youngster and he’s always beaming with a smile around the place.

“He’s been unfortunate with his shoulder injury since we arrived, so it’s good to get him back in.

“Martyn trained with us last week and it was good to see him getting some game time on Wednesday against Wrexham.

“He’s back in the fold and back involved again at the weekend, it’s good to get another player with Championship experience back in the reckoning.”

MACKAY ON YOUTH

“Young Sam Cosgrove is going to be with us in the travelling squad.

“It’s important for the football club to have young players involved with the first team. Gregor Rioch has put a plan in place since he arrived to really push the Academy players and alongside Peter Atherton and Joe Parkinson, he’s worked tirelessly with our young players.

“If there’s even a sniff that they’re doing well, then we will reward them and encourage their progress to keep happening. Under 18s will be pushed up to play in the Development Squad and from there, players will come up to train with the first team.

“If I feel that any of them have got the chance to get some key experience, then I’ll absolutely make sure they’ll come with us and that’s why Sam will be with us at the weekend.”

MACKAY ON BIRMINGHAM PROSPECT

“We’re under no illusions as to the tough task ahead this weekend because Gary Rowett has done a fine job since he arrived at Birmingham.

“It’s going to be a hard place to go, but we had that last month when we went to Elland Road against Leeds United and we showed that we can overcome these types of challenges.

“We’ve got to go there with every bit of confidence, because the overall performances in our away games have been good.

“This type of challenge has to be relished. Coming up against a team doing well and in a stadium like St. Andrew’s is something I want my players to be relishing so that they can reward our supporters with all three points.”

MACKAY ON LIAM RIDGEWELL SIGNING

“We are delighted to bring Liam in, he’s someone I know well and David Kerslake knows him very well too.

“He’s on a break before the MLS season at the moment, but he’s done really well in his initial time with Portland Timbers.

“Liam’s a really experienced player with Premier League quality and I know it’s only short term, but I thought it was a chance to give the squad a lift. His experience could be essential here at Christopher Park.

“I’m delighted he decided to come here because he had various options. It says a lot about the draw of the club because he could have gone elsewhere, but chose to come to Wigan Athletic.”